Stream on! Netflix Emmy nod standout, along with Moss, Farmiga, more

Will the popular TV phrase “tune in tonight” soon be replaced by “stream it tonight”?

We could be headed that way now that Emmy has recognized two shows created for online streaming service Netflix. “House of Cards” and “Arrested Development” have drawn multiple nods.

Addictive political thriller “Cards,” which allowed viewers to binge on all 13 episodes if they chose to, hit the jackpot. It received nine nominations, including the biggie, Outstanding Drama Series. Leads Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright also earned nods for their performances as a manipulative politico and his wife.

Although “Arrested Development” got snubbed for best comedy, it did score three nominations, including one for lead actor Jason Bateman, the hilarious anchor of the series.

Other Emmy nods of distinction:

Elisabeth Moss received recognition for two strong portrayals this year: a best actress-drama series nomination for her role as Peggy Olson in “Mad Men” and even more deserving notice for her powerful performance as a complex police detective in Sundance Channel’s “Top of the Lake,” one of the most chilling minis on the small screen this year.

“Top of the Lake” earned other impressive nods: one for outstanding miniseries, as well as for supporting actor Peter Mullan, whose performance as chief antagonist Matt was one of the most fascinating ever seen on the small screen.

Both Michael Douglas and Matt Damon will battle it out for “Behind the Candelabra,” which also scored a best movie/miniseries nod for HBO. Both actors were courageous standouts as Liberace and his longtime lover Scott Thorson, but I’d bet on Douglas to win.

Vera Farmiga is among my personal favorites for best actress-drama for bringing captivating dimension to what could have been just a villainess turn as Norman Bates’ mom in “Psycho”-inspired A&E drama “Bates Motel.” She has formidable competition, however, from Claire Danes of “Homeland” and Kerry Washington of “Scandal.”

“Mad Men’s” Jon Hamm, who delivered such a multifaceted portrayal of Don Draper this season — at once likable and repellant — deserves to finally win the lead actor-drama award. However, it’s likely he’ll be edged out once again by a past favorite, “Breaking Bad’s” Bryan Cranston or Damian Lewis of “Homeland.”

It’s great as always to see Amy Poehler recognized for acting in “Parks and Recreation,” but disappointing to see that well-oiled comedy machine once again snubbed for Outstanding Comedy Series. Instead, the tired “30 Rock” received what must be a sentimental nod for its final season.

CBS’ “The Big Bang Theory” continues to be a weekly treat, but really, can’t compare to the snappily written and more innovative cable comedies up for the top award: “Veep,” “Girls” and “Louie.”

It’s also heartening to see one of the true unsung heroes of comedy, Tony Hale, receive a supporting actor nod for his side-splitting work in “Veep.”

I’m not sure either FX’s 13-episode “American Horror Story: Asylum,” which garnered the most Emmy nods (17); or History’s 10-hour, “The Bible,” belong in the category of movie/miniseries against two-hour entries “Candelabra” and “Phil Spector.” However, seeing the two polar opposites – one all-out evil, the other religious – in the same category did bring a smile of amusement to this critic’s face.

For the entire list of 2013 Emmy nominations, click here. The awards will be telecast Sept. 22 on CBS.